Dose of Action: Prescription Drugs, Help or Harm? | April Rovero | TEDxDoughertyValleyHS

Summary

The speaker addresses the critical issue of prescription drug abuse and safety, highlighting the tragic consequences with the loss of a 21-year-old to an accidental overdose. The talk emphasizes the dangers of recreational use and misuse, noting that prescription drug overdoses have become the leading cause of accidental death, surpassing car accidents. The presentation calls for education, safe medication storage and disposal, and breaking the stigma around addiction as a health issue. It also encourages seeking help and knowing the signs of overdose, promoting the use of naloxone and the importance of asking questions about medication side effects and addictive potential.

Takeaways

• 💊 The speaker discusses the serious issue of prescription drug abuse and the importance of prescription drug safety, highlighting the potential dangers of taking medications recreationally or as prescribed.
• 🕊️ The tragic loss of a young man named Joey to an accidental overdose of prescription medication serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of prescription drug abuse.
• 📰 Prescription drug abuse has been a prominent issue in the news, particularly concerning painkillers, which have become the leading cause of accidental death, surpassing car accidents.
• 📊 Over 70,000 people lost their lives in 2017 due to drug overdoses, with over 40,000 of those deaths involving prescription painkillers or their illegal equivalents like heroin and fentanyl.
• 🏥 There is a common misconception that if a medication is prescribed by a doctor, it must be safe, but the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering underlying medical conditions and potential interactions.
• 🚔 The speaker mentions the societal impact of prescription drug abuse, including the rise in car break-ins and thefts to obtain medications.
• 👨‍🏫 The importance of educating youth and adults in the community about the dangers of prescription drug abuse is stressed, as prevention is key.
• 🚫 The speaker challenges the audience to look at their own medicine cabinets, dispose of expired medications properly, and lock up medications to prevent access by others.
• 🆘 The Good Samaritan law is mentioned, which protects individuals from prosecution if they seek help for someone overdosing, emphasizing the importance of calling for help in such situations.
• 💉 Naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, is now available over the counter in California, and the speaker encourages the audience to consider getting a kit.
• ❓ The speaker encourages the audience to ask doctors about the side effects and potential for addiction of any prescribed medication and to seek alternative treatments if necessary.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speech?

The main topic of the speech is prescription drug abuse and prescription drug safety, focusing on the potential dangers of taking medication recreationally or as prescribed.

What is the tragic incident mentioned in the script that highlights the seriousness of prescription drug abuse?

The tragic incident mentioned is the accidental overdose death of a 21-year-old college student named Santos John Rivera, also known as Joey the third, on December 18, 2009.

According to the script, what has become the leading cause of accidental death in the United States?

Prescription drug overdoses have become the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, surpassing car accidents.

How many lives were reportedly lost to drug overdoses in the year mentioned in the script?

Over 70,000 people lost their lives to drug overdoses in the year 2017, as mentioned in the script.

What is the common misconception about prescription drugs that the speaker wants to address?

The common misconception is that if a doctor prescribes a medication, it must be safe and not harmful, which is not always the case, especially when combined with other substances or underlying medical conditions.

What is the 'Good Samaritan law' mentioned in the script, and why is it important?

The 'Good Samaritan law' mentioned in the script provides legal protection for individuals who seek help for someone experiencing an overdose, ensuring that they will not be prosecuted for drug possession or being under the influence themselves.

What is the speaker's challenge to the audience regarding their own medicine cabinets?

The speaker challenges the audience to check their medicine cabinets for expired or unused medications, urging them to lock up and dispose of these medications properly to prevent misuse.

What is the role of 'naloxone' in addressing the opioid crisis mentioned in the script?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is now available over the counter in some places, and the speaker encourages people to have it on hand in case of an emergency.

What advice does the speaker give regarding interactions with healthcare providers about medications?

The speaker advises the audience to ask healthcare providers about the side effects of medications, their potential for addiction, and to inquire about alternative treatments if there is a family history of addiction or other risk factors.

What is the importance of breaking the stigma associated with addiction as mentioned in the script?

Breaking the stigma associated with addiction is important because it encourages individuals to seek help and treatment without fear of judgment or shame, and it also helps in increasing the availability of treatment facilities.

What is the significance of the 24/7 hotline mentioned in the script for those seeking treatment?

The 24/7 hotline is significant as it provides a readily accessible resource for individuals to find immediate help and locate treatment services in their area, potentially saving lives by facilitating timely intervention.

Outlines

00:00

💊 Prescription Drug Abuse Awareness

The speaker introduces the topic of prescription drug abuse and safety, highlighting the dual nature of prescription drugs as both life-saving and potentially dangerous when misused. The tragic loss of a young man to an accidental overdose serves as a poignant reminder of the seriousness of the issue. The speaker emphasizes the rise in overdose deaths, surpassing car accidents, and the significant number of lives lost to opioid abuse. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for education and awareness to prevent such tragedies.

05:17

🏥 Misconceptions and the Reality of Medication Dangers

This paragraph delves into the common misconception that prescription drugs are safe simply because they are prescribed by a doctor. The speaker discusses the potential for harm when medications are taken without considering underlying medical conditions or when combined with other substances. The paragraph also touches on the societal impact of prescription drug abuse, including the rise in theft and the importance of education for all community members. The speaker stresses the need to challenge the perception of prescription drugs as harmless and to promote safe usage and disposal practices.

10:18

🚨 The Stigma of Addiction and the Importance of Treatment

The speaker addresses the stigma associated with addiction, emphasizing that it is a health issue, not a moral failing. They discuss the barriers to treatment, including the lack of available facilities and the reluctance of individuals to seek help due to societal judgment. The paragraph calls for a change in perception, encouraging individuals to view addiction as a health condition that requires medical intervention. The speaker also provides practical advice on safe medication storage and disposal, as well as the importance of recognizing the signs of overdose and knowing how to respond.

15:20

🤔 Questions to Ask and Resources for Help

In the final paragraph, the speaker encourages individuals to ask questions about the medications they are prescribed, including potential side effects and addictive qualities. They highlight the importance of considering family history and alternative treatments for issues such as anxiety and sleep disorders. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for early identification of addiction or dependence and the provision of a hotline number for those seeking treatment. The speaker also offers to provide educational resources and presentations to schools and community groups to further raise awareness and understanding of prescription drug abuse.

Keywords

💡Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse refers to the misuse of medications that are prescribed by a doctor for someone else. In the video, this concept is central as it discusses the dangers of using prescription drugs recreationally or without a proper prescription. The speaker mentions the tragic story of a 21-year-old who died from an accidental overdose of prescription medication, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

💡Prescription Drug Safety

This term highlights the importance of using prescription drugs as directed and with caution. The video emphasizes that while these drugs can be life-saving, they also carry potential risks if not used properly. The speaker discusses the need for education on the safe use of prescription drugs to prevent abuse and accidental overdoses.

💡Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid painkiller mentioned in the script as a substance that can be dangerous when misused. The speaker cites the combination of oxycodone and alcohol as a particularly deadly mix, which led to the death of the young man mentioned in the script, illustrating the risks of prescription drug abuse.

💡Accidental Overdose

An accidental overdose occurs when someone takes more of a drug than intended, leading to potentially fatal consequences. The video script reveals that accidental overdoses, particularly from prescription painkillers, have become the leading cause of accidental death, surpassing car accidents, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

💡Painkillers

Painkillers are medications used to relieve pain. The script discusses the abuse of prescription painkillers, which have become a significant public health concern due to their high potential for addiction and overdose. The speaker highlights that over 40,000 deaths were attributed to prescription painkillers or their illegal equivalents.

💡Stigma

Stigma in the context of the video refers to the negative and prejudicial attitudes society holds towards individuals with addiction problems. The speaker argues that breaking this stigma is crucial for encouraging people to seek help and treatment, emphasizing that addiction is a health issue, not a moral failing.

💡Treatment Facilities

Treatment facilities are centers that provide medical and psychological support for individuals struggling with addiction. The script mentions the need for more such facilities to accommodate the demand for addiction treatment, highlighting the current inadequacy in addressing the scale of the problem.

💡Medicine Cabinets

The term 'medicine cabinets' is used metaphorically in the script to refer to the storage of prescription drugs in homes. The speaker challenges listeners to check their medicine cabinets for expired or unused medications, advocating for proper disposal to prevent misuse.

💡Good Samaritan Law

The Good Samaritan Law mentioned in the script provides legal protection for individuals who seek help for someone experiencing an overdose, even if they themselves are under the influence of drugs. This law is important for encouraging people to act quickly in life-threatening situations without fear of legal repercussions.

💡Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The script discusses the availability of naloxone over the counter in California and encourages listeners to have it on hand, emphasizing its potential to save lives in the event of an overdose.

💡Addiction

Addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. The video script addresses addiction in the context of prescription drug abuse, discussing its serious implications and the importance of early identification and treatment.

Highlights

The presenter will cover the topic of prescription drug abuse and safety, emphasizing the potential dangers of taking medication recreationally or as prescribed.

The tragic loss of a 21-year-old, Joey, to an accidental overdose of prescription medication serves as a real-life example of the dangers discussed.

Prescription drug abuse has been in the news, particularly due to painkillers being the leading cause of accidental death, surpassing car accidents.

Over 70,000 people lost their lives in 2017 due to drug overdoses, with over 40,000 of those involving prescribed painkillers or their illegal equivalents.

The presenter challenges the common misconception that if a doctor prescribes a medication, it must be safe, highlighting the risks of underlying medical conditions.

The importance of education on prescription drug abuse for all youth and adults in the community is stressed to prevent the problem from escalating.

The presenter discusses the financial cost of prescription drug abuse in the northern US and the need for increased treatment facilities.

A call to action for attendees to check their medicine cabinets for expired or unused medications and to dispose of them properly.

The introduction of a Good Samaritan law that protects those who call for help in case of an overdose, encouraging people to act without fear of prosecution.

The availability of naloxone over the counter in California, allowing for easier access to a life-saving medication in the event of an overdose.

The presenter encourages attendees to ask doctors about the side effects and addictive potential of prescribed medications.

The need to challenge doctors to find alternative treatments for those with a family history of addiction or other risk factors.

A 24/7 hotline is provided for finding treatment in one's area, emphasizing the importance of seeking help as soon as addiction or dependence is identified.

The offer to speak at schools and other organizations to further educate communities about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

The presenter's commitment to breaking the stigma around addiction, treating it as a health issue rather than a moral failing.

The importance of understanding that addiction is not a choice but a health condition that requires proper treatment and support.

The presenter's final challenge to the audience to take an active role in educating themselves and others about prescription drug safety.

Transcripts

please welcome

[Applause]

so the topic that I'm going to cover

tonight is prescription drug abuse and

actually prescription drug safety as I

think we would all the donor

prescription drugs can absolutely be

literally a lifesaver there are certain

people that have medical conditions and

they really literally wouldn't be able

to live day to day without the

medications are they going to talk about

that what we're going to talk about are

the potential dangers that are inherent

in taking medication either

recreationally in some of our young

people and adults do or otherwise as

prescribed

either way they can be dangerous and

we're going to be talking about that so

why would it be interested in

prescription drug abuse two words would

would tell the story on that and they

were he's gone unfortunately we lost our

21 year old Santos that John Rivera also

known as Joey the third to an accidental

overdose of prescription meds while he

was a college student Arizona State

University on December 18 2009 Joey was

a graduate of polyphony here we went

through there were school high school or

a senior in college

we

[Music]

[Music]

it's like oxycodone which is a pain

killer and it's a little bit of alcohol

with that those combination works that's

on the tour to take is like after I want

to share with you that prescription drug

abuse has been in the news day or two in

particular the painkillers that are so

variable than prescribing overdoses now

the leading cause of accidental death

and that's shocking to me even still it

needs to be car accidents no longer

needs overdose deaths and as you can see

on this chart over 70,000 people lost

their lives this last year 2017 the last

year we heard of these four data to a

drug reduced overdose of whatever sort

but at the same time 40,000 over 40,000

of them were from polio exceed their

prescribed painkillers or their

equivalent which is the illegal drug

Spezia on the street all the time

heroin fentanyl departmental very

powerful opioids and whether they're you

know

Navy they are you typically next in our

my drug dealers with other kinds of

things Mike and which is so powerful in

terms of these connections those deaths

have been here it's not just somewhere

else every one of these people and I

have 650 or more photos from around the

country now photos to me so I could try

to get education out there in office

these are real people our losses and you

know there are no boundaries

we my trial is is an important student

will actually parade so where they're

buried in a bunch into sports and in

keeping with that I will tell you that

this them to necessarily those are

protective factors necessarily what

about the student adventurer gets into

the body

[Music]

dozen or maybe they have multiple

medications and the combinations don't

work well for them so anyone anyone

impacted by this

there's a common misconception we have

to break down so that sidered is a wall

right the perception is maybe a doctor

prescribes so they're not harmful how

could that be equal to all other

directions will be okay usually that's

the case but what if you have an

underlying medical condition they're

going to pay for so those are really the

casein totally picture haven't acted we

have people breaking into cars

you know actually perhaps they call them

get whatever you can enter the car door

sell it quickly in go buy the drugs the

director

[Music]

and it becomes a very difficult it's

easy to avoid we just don't get there in

the first place and that's quite

important on the very mention things

that we do which is for an education of

all youth and adults in the community

that we can touch directly one of those

can be helper tightening in the day in

our we are the problem that we run into

somebody who is impaired and the

financial cost for countries in the

northern us from this problem so the

drug that I want to make sure everybody

knows

if you can see what the facts are all of

these are our protector so don't think

of us annex for instance which we

understand is a drug that commonly where

we need a boost our high school college

campuses it's yours

and you know there's another drug

category is the History Month and

students are often abuse by our high

school students and college students if

you do not have an ADHD a condition that

these medications actually work well for

for some people

so you can see that you can get a big

turnover those two one little venture to

his confidence in some of our teens like

to join a lot of confidence and stuff

over the counter has alcohol in it if

you drink enough of it you can get a

little bit of a high if you drink the

coq10 is seven is described as coding in

it that's one of our senators and so

they can actually cost them a little bit

big problems as you can see here today

and we once it's typically powered

everywhere our teens and everyone really

needs to do we all need to understand

that their their cocaine so if

somebody's happier using that drug and

to maybe in it it showed me that there

all sorts of forms with those are so

convinced even looking that even the

experts done and the difference so we're

so they're gonna be able to tell the

difference

the big story here is first of all don't

be abuse in the illegal drugs

and there's something that's kind of

start out so please be careful in terms

[Music]

of the situation and it's because of

student that people don't necessarily go

out and give the treatment they don't

want to admit they have a problem they

don't want to knock results their family

what I want to say is we can break that

stigma all of us today today

individually can break that stigma don't

think of somebody with an addiction

problem is somebody that has a moral

thing and if they could just fix

themselves they would they make that

choice once you're addicted you really

don't have a big choice you know you

have these equally the choice of getting

cleaning treatment really hard decision

to me and it often even in treatment for

thirty days does not work come out easy

start using again immediately that

stigma causes us not to get the

treatment in the first place it also

results in the fact that we don't have

enough treatment facilities out there so

that wall has kept us from getting where

they need to need to consider this ISM

it is a health issue and just like

diabetes or any other health condition

we need to have treatment available

anyone who needs it in wants it so that

is a huge wall we also need to get those

medicine that our lives in Chemnitz my

challenge to you today is to go home and

take a look at what you've got in your

own medicine cabinets our medicines

expired are they just hanging there cuz

maybe I'll use them someday maybe that

painkiller be needed you know what you

can always get more than that please

lock the month if you need them and

dispose of it properly if you don't most

perfectly stations all of them already

have them Dennis that you can just walk

in front of your nest all the CVS has

happened and I think all threats will

happen in their their pharmacies soon -

it's easy to get rid of them do not wash

them because that is going to be harmful

to our environment

eventually that stuff makes its way to

our water system the other thing I've

learned early overdose scientists here's

a great example of them if you think

somebody is overdosing

please don't run young people we now

have a Good Samaritan law that says you

won't be prosecuted yourself even if

you're under the influence we need to

save life so make that call this is Anna

Watson rescue kid I would challenge all

of you to get a kit even if you don't

have a problem in your family

the matter at any other time we can be

walking around town when we can

encounter somebody that's overdosing had

somebody seen that young man yesterday

morning in his car and he was he was

with it was a possibility of turning

that overdose around have been companies

because they're now available in our

state of California over the counter and

any pharmacy that carries them we're

working on getting all of the Nick area

call in advance and to see if they carry

naloxone otherwise you can get it by

just getting a prescription from your

doctor that's also legal now to get

prescription to use that medication for

someone else asking questions when you

go see a doctor I also challenge it

please just ask what are the side

effects of this medication is it

attentively addictive if so in a minute

you know do I have a family history of

addiction if so you're more risk even if

not find out challenge your doctor to

find other alternatives for you and

there are those other alternatives and

here's an example of some of them issues

and anxiety or sleep issues so there is

help out there recovery as possible and

so the key is especially for young

people the sooner the media addiction

that it's starting to take hold or a

dependence is identified ask for help

and here's a great phone number

so 24/7 hotline that can be called to

find treatment in your area and if we

can also be contacted

we presented schools I ever had like to

recall classes all the time last week it

was it was definitely you know to or

justify Cal hi other classes in

different schools around the area if you

have a group that could use this

information that I share I'm happy to

come out and speak so at least you know

the information here it is the Communist

thank you very much appreciate you

listening

[Applause]